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Judgment Liens
How long is a judgement lien held against me in the state of Texas?

How long is a judgement lien held against me in the state of Texas?

Full question:

How long is a judgement lien held against me in the state of Texas?

Category: Judgment Liens
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Texas

Answer:

The following is a TX statute:

§ 34.001. NO EXECUTION ON DORMANT JUDGMENT. (a) If a writ
of execution is not issued within 10 years after the rendition of a
judgment of a court of record or a justice court, the judgment is
dormant and execution may not be issued on the judgment unless it is
revived.
(b) If a writ of execution is issued within 10 years after
rendition of a judgment but a second writ is not issued within 10
years after issuance of the first writ, the judgment becomes
dormant. A second writ may be issued at any time within 10 years
after issuance of the first writ.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What happens if a defendant does not pay a judgment in Texas?

If a defendant does not pay a judgment in Texas, the creditor can take various actions to collect the debt. This may include obtaining a writ of execution to seize the defendant's property or garnishing wages. If the judgment remains unpaid for ten years without a writ of execution being issued, it becomes dormant, meaning the creditor cannot enforce it unless it is revived. It's important for defendants to address judgments promptly to avoid further legal complications.

Do judgment liens expire in Texas?

Yes, judgment liens can expire in Texas. A judgment lien is valid for ten years from the date it is filed. If the creditor does not take action, such as issuing a writ of execution within that time frame, the lien becomes dormant and cannot be enforced unless revived. This means that while the judgment itself may remain valid, the lien may no longer attach to the property after the ten-year period.

What happens when a judgment is filed against you in Texas?

When a judgment is filed against you in Texas, it becomes a matter of public record. The creditor can seek to collect the debt through various means, such as garnishing wages or placing a lien on your property. You may also receive a notice of the judgment, which outlines your rights and options. If you do not respond or pay the judgment, the creditor can take further legal action to enforce it.

What happens after a judgment is entered against you in Texas?

After a judgment is entered against you in Texas, the creditor may begin collection efforts. This can include garnishing wages, seizing bank accounts, or placing a lien on your property. You may also have the option to appeal the judgment or negotiate a payment plan. If no action is taken within ten years, the judgment may become dormant, limiting the creditor's ability to collect unless it is revived.

Can you go to jail for not paying a judgment in Texas?

In Texas, you cannot be jailed solely for not paying a judgment. However, if you fail to comply with a court order related to the judgment, such as refusing to provide financial information, you could potentially face contempt of court charges. It's crucial to address any judgments and communicate with creditors to avoid further legal issues.